A comparative study of laboratory parameters and symptoms effected by Toki-shakuyaku-san and an iron preparation in rats with iron-deficiency anemia.

In order to more closely examine the effect of Toki-shakuyaku-san and an iron preparation in vivo in an animal experiment, we prepared anemic rats, divided them into 4 groups, i.e., an untreated group, a Toki-shakuyaku-san group, an iron-preparation group and a Toki-shakuyaku-san+iron-preparation group, and assessed the results of laboratory parameters, hematology, and general symptoms of anemia. The results showed trends toward improvement in indices of anemia, i.e., erythrocyte (RBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Ht) and serum iron (Fe), and improvement of anemic symptoms in the 3 treated groups. Examination of erythrocyte morphology showed that erythrocyte destruction had occurred only slightly in the 3 treated groups. The organ weight measurements showed an increase in the weight of the heart and spleen in the untreated group, but tended to be closer to normal in the 3 treated groups. The number and wet weight of the feces in the untreated group were markedly lower than normal, but increased in the Toki-shakuyaku-san group. In the iron-preparation group, the hemorrhage of stomach and pigmentation of the tail which seem to be a side effect of iron were observed, but was not seen in the Toki-shakuyaku-san group. The results animal experiment more closely examined the results of clinical study, and we concluded that by using Toki-shakuyaku-san and the iron preparation in combination, it is possible to lessen the adverse reactions such as gastrointestinal symptoms, and that more ameliorative effect on the anemic state can be expected.